Computer Media

By Rachel Singer Gordon -- Library Journal, 4/15/2007

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C#

C# 2005, the most recent iteration of Microsoft's C# programming language, works with the .NET framework to let developers create both dynamic web sites and Windows applications. Given the popularity of .NET, libraries should carry current titles.

MacDonald, Matthew & Mario Szpuszta. Pro ASP.NET 2.0 in C# 2005. Special Edition. Apress. 2006. c.1426p. ISBN 978-1-59059-768-2. $64.99 with CD-ROM. COMPUTER BOOKS

For experienced C# programmers looking to learn ASP.NET 2.0, this updated edition expands earlier content with two new chapters: "JavaScript and Ajax" and "Atlas." Its CD contains bonus content from 18 other .NET, SQL Server 2005, and Visual Studio 2005 titles, plus articles for ASP developers. Source code is available online. Thorough discussions of building ASP.NET 2.0 web sites and coverage of newer client-side programming issues make this a great choice for larger libraries.

Sarknas, Paul. Pro ASP.NET 2.0 E-Commerce in C# 2005. Apress. 2006. c.617p. ISBN 978-1-59059-724-8. pap. $59.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

For experienced ASP.NET developers with object-oriented programming experience, this guide focuses on e-commerce web application development with ASP.NET 2.0 in C# 2005 and illustrates techniques through an extended case study. Source code is online. A useful discussion of planning and documenting any e-commerce solution before getting down to the actual business of programming helps keep a real-world focus, while step-by-step exercises assist developers in learning to create e-commerce implementations. For larger libraries.

Wright, Peter. Beginning Visual C# 2005 Express Edition: From Novice to Professional. Apress. 2006. c.458p. ISBN 978-1-59059-549-7. pap. $29.99 with CD-ROM. COMPUTER BOOKS

Visual C# 2005 Express is a free, lightweight, entry-level tool from Microsoft intended to let beginning developers visually design Windows applications. This guide introduces the language in a nonthreatening, straightforward manner, and its CD contains Visual C# 2005 Express Edition. Appropriate for all public libraries.

Linux

Open-source Linux distributions (see Computer Media, LJ 8/06) remain the most popular alternative OS, and current guides are always helpful.

Diaz, Christopher. Introduction to UNIX/Linux. Charles River. 2006. c.435p. ISBN 978-1-58450-449-8. pap. $49.95 with DVD. COMPUTER BOOKS

This guide assists Windows users, IT professionals, and students thinking of switching to UNIX or Linux, giving them the background necessary for a smooth transition. Its DVD contains Fedora Linux, presentation slides, and example files. While chapters on programming in UNIX/Linux assume knowledge of languages like C/C++, the rest of the manual is accessible to beginners. Chapter summaries, exercises, and thorough step-by-step instructions aid in self-study. A solid introduction; for all public and academic libraries.

Fusco, John. The Linux Programmer's Toolbox. Prentice Hall PTR. 2007. c.622p. ISBN 978-0-13-219857-8. pap. $39.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

For intermediate to advanced Linux programmers, this guide shows not only how to use each tool but also why and when one would want to. Some background information may seem repetitive to more advanced users, but others will appreciate the title's thoroughness. From downloading and installing open-source tools to understanding the kernel to debugging, programmers will find a wealth of information on making their Linux experiences more productive. Recommended for larger public libraries and academic institutions serving computer science programs.

Granneman, Scott. Linux Phrasebook: Essential Code and Commands. SAMS: Pearson. 2006. c.382p. ISBN 978-0-672-32838-1. pap. $14.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

A pocket reference for beginning to intermediate users, this provides command definitions and usages and brief code examples. It is organized alphabetically within topical chapters, such as the basics, archiving and compression, and working on the network. Handy, clear, and concise but most useful for individuals to have on hand for ongoing reference. A supplemental purchase.

Linux Starter Kit. SAMS: Pearson. 2006. c.124p. ISBN 978-0-672-32887-9. $39.99 with DVD. COMPUTER BOOKS

For beginners, this SUSE Linux 10.1 distribution on DVD comes with a companion print Quick Start Guide as well as an extensive reference manual in PDF format. Best for anyone wanting to get up and running with Linux quickly, the guide covers installation, basics, and basic troubleshooting and walks readers specifically through installing and using the included DVD distribution. Recommended for public libraries; supplement with more thorough guides.

Smith, Roderick W. Linux Administrator Street Smarts. Sybex. 2006. c.335p. ISBN 978-0-470-08348-2. pap. $29.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

The content here maps to both the LPIC-1 and Linux+ certification exam objectives, which makes this a good self-study choice. (These are similar entry-level exams; the title points out where their objectives differ.) Real-world scenarios and step-by-step exercises emphasize practical skills, while clear explanations aid in understanding. Recommended for all libraries.

von Hagen, William. Ubuntu Linux Bible. Wiley. 2007. c.904p. ISBN 978-0-470-03899-4. pap. $39.99 with CD-ROM. COMPUTER BOOKS

This manual thoroughly covers installing, using, administering, and maintaining Ubuntu, a popular and fast-growing Linux distribution. Its CD contains Ubuntu Linux plus a number of open source Windows applications. Content ranges from installing Ubuntu to using desktop applications to basic instructions for system administrators. Extensive coverage of Ubuntu for desktop use and thorough explanations make this a great choice for beginning to intermediate users and all public libraries.

Mobile Devices

In our increasingly interconnected, always-on world, mobile devices provide an important piece of the connectivity puzzle. Most public libraries should invest in current guides.

Hakkarainen, Ari. CNET Do-It-Yourself Camera & Music Phone Projects. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. 2006. c.247p. ISBN 978-0-07148564-7. pap. $24.95. COMPUTER BOOKS

While mobile phone manufacturers load up their devices with more and more features, most consumers fail to take advantage of many of these capabilities. Each step-by-step project here outlines a fun or useful capability, ranging from downloading new applications to watching TV on a phone. From posting photos online to listening to music to downloading songs and ringtones, most projects focus on multimedia features; instructions are given for several of the most common phone OS. There are online video tutorial, tips, and links at a companion web site. For all medium and larger libraries.

Kao, Robert & others. BlackBerry Pearl For Dummies. Wiley. 2007. c.214p. ISBN 978-0-470-12893-0. pap. $16.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

The BlackBerry (see Computer Media, LJ 6/1/06) remains one of the most popular mobile devices for business, and BlackBerry Pearl is one of the hottest newer smartphones, with multimedia capabilities and a new trackball interface. This guide brings new Pearl users up to speed quickly, moving from basic navigation through organization, multimedia, and the desktop manager and concluding with lists of ten recommended accessories and programs. Straightforward, thorough, and fun; recommended for larger public libraries.

Podcasting

Podcasting (see Computer Media, LJ 2/1/06) has grown in popularity over the last year, and libraries should keep up by offering guides to the process. (More enterprising institutions can also offer access to or classes on the technologies involved.)

Farkas, Bart G. Secrets of Podcasting: Audio Blogging for the Masses. 2d ed. Peachpit. 2006. c.300p. ISBN 978-0-321-43843-0. pap. $24.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

This one's for beginning to intermediate podcasters and ranges over the basics (i.e., what podcasting is and how to listen and subscribe) through audio/video podcast creation and distribution. An appendix lists additional resources. Handy sidebars add information, full-color screen shots and illustrations help visualize instructions, and interviews with well-known podcasters increase interest. This clear introduction is a great choice for all libraries.

Mack, Steve & Mitch Ratcliffe. Podcasting Bible. Wiley. 2007. c.570p. ISBN 978-0-470-04352-3. pap. $34.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

Everything you ever wanted to know about podcasting and more; this guide addresses a wide audience, from hobbyists to media companies. Covering both audio and video podcasts, the content moves from an introduction to podcasting, through podcast production, encoding, and distribution, through the business of podcasting and case studies. Brief caveats: the typeface is quite light, and typographical errors are noticeable. Nevertheless, this thorough discussion is recommended for medium and larger public libraries; clear prose, illustrations, and handy tips make it useful for all podcasters.

Walch, Rob & Mur Lafferty. Tricks of the Podcasting Masters. QUE: Pearson. 2006. ISBN 978-0-7897-3574-4. pap. $24.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

Rather than focusing on technical how-tos, Walch and Lafferty give beginning to intermediate podcasters a crash course in both creating a good podcast and attracting an audience for it; content ranges from finding music to conducting interviews to marketing. An extensive section on podcast genres provides links to a variety of podcasts, giving readers a sense of the range of content available. An online forum contains discussions on related topics. A good addition for larger libraries.

QuickBooks

QuickBooks is one of the most popular accounting programs for small business, and all libraries should stock current guides.

Ivens, Kathy. QuickBooks 2007: The Official Guide. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. 2006. c.596p. ISBN 978-0-07-226345-9. pap. $29.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

A thorough guide for beginning to intermediate QuickBooks Pro users. Appendix A, "Do This First!", might more appropriately be placed at the beginning, but otherwise the contents proceed logically, through setting up a business file in QuickBooks and completing common tasks (e.g., setting up inventory, using online banking services, year-end procedures). Step-by-step instructions and useful tips and cautions help users get up and running quickly. Recommended for all libraries.

Voice over IP

Voice over IP (VoIP), or Internet telephony, provides a way to break up a voice signal and reassemble component parts—letting users, in essence, make phone calls over the Internet. The potential here is endless, and VoIP is coming into its own with the popularity of services like Skype and Vonage and the viability of alternatives to traditional PBX for businesses.

Abdulezer, Loren & others. Skype For Dummies. Wiley. 2007. c.332p. ISBN 978-0-470-04891-7. pap. $21.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

Probably the most popular VoIP service, Skype (see Computer Media, LJ 4/1/06) lets users make computer-to-computer calls for free and PC-to-phone calls for a low cost. Beyond basic voice service, though, Skype offers users the ability to make video calls (by adding a cheap webcam to their setup), chat, personalize their service with avatars and graphics, host conference calls, and much more. This guide covers the ins and outs of using Skype in a thorough yet engaging manner, including useful content on Skype for professional or business use as well as for consumers; recommended for all public libraries.

Davidson, Jonathan & others. Voice over IP Fundamentals. 2d ed. Cisco. (Fundamentals). 2006. c.394p. ISBN 978-1-58705-257-6. pap. $55. COMPUTER BOOKS

This guide will work for both voice and data networking experts, but it will prove most useful to network administrators and others needing to understand the underlying principles and protocols behind, and structure of, VoIP networks. Moving from an understanding of traditional public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephony through the technology behind VoIP, signaling protocols, and applications and services, this thorough and clear guide is appropriate for large libraries.